Kaden

“Triplets” worksheet

  • Count triplets out loud.
  • Play quarter notes on the bass drum.
  • When you’re first practising these patterns, you can use what ever sticking is easiest, but I eventually want you to be able to play them using alternate sticking (both R-L-R-L-… and L-R-L-R-…).
  • Play along to a metronome at 110 where each click is a triplet (not a quarter note). Then bump the tempo up to 115. Then 120. Then play along to Gravity by John Mayer.

Mateo

For Mom: Here is an article written by a music educator that offers insights about motivating children to practice. The author recommends that the success of a practise session be measured by the musical goals accomplished and not by how long the practising went on for. This is why I have stopped assigning a designated time length for practising (no more 30 minutes per day, etc.). Using this approach, Mateo would establish goals for each practise session by choosing which parts of the homework he would like to practise that day. I am reluctant to include a day-by-day practise schedule in these homework posts because it may be too inflexible for Mateo, or any child, to properly follow. Because Mateo knows his schedule better than I do, I think it would be best for Mateo, or you and Mateo, to divide the homework according to how many days he expects himself to practise that week. What do you think of this? You can reach me at [email protected] if you would like to chat.

“1, 2” Pattern

  • Play along to a metronome. Put it at 70 bpm (beats per minute).
  • Count each number at the same time the metronome clicks – “1” (click), “2” (click).
  • When you can play the patterns at that speed, put the metronome to 75 bpm and do it again. When you can do that, play the patterns at 80 bpm. Continue to increase the speed by increments of 5 bpm until you get to 100.

“1 + 2 +” (1 and 2 and) Pattern

  • When you see a plus sign (+), it just means “and”.
  • Play the hi-hat on everything (1, and, 2, and).
  • When you’re ready, add the bass drum on beat 1.
  • When you’re ready, add the snare drum on beat 2.
  • Play along to the metronome. Count the clicks with “1 and 2 and”. Each click is a note – “1” (click), “and” (click), “2” (click), “and” (click). Again: start at 70 bpm and work your way up to 100.

Ella

“Hotel California – Filling” worksheet

  • Try practising along to the recording. If it’s too fast, you can play the patterns more slowly with a metronome. The song’s tempo (speed) is 75 bpm, so try playing  it at 70. If that’s still too fast, slow it down more.
  • Your fills must be in time with the music.
  • Use a variety of drums in your fills.
  • Use a variety of rhythms in your fills (8th notes, quarter notes, 16th notes, rests, etc.).

Sylvie

“Basic Beats” worksheet

  • Count “1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and” out loud.
  • Sometimes play with a metronome. Sometimes play without one.
  • When you play with a metronome, your counting and the metronome’s clicking should line up. Each click is a note – “1” (click), “and” (click), “2” (click), “and” (click), “3” (click), “and” (click), “4” (click), “and” (click). Start with the metronome at 60 bpm (beats per minute). Once you’re comfortable at that speed, bump it up to 65 bpm. Then 70 bpm. Do this until you get to 80. You don’t need to go faster than that.